Issue 155

June 2017

Hook a leg and safely rise into a takedown

Trainer: Greg Jackson

MMA’s most in-demand coach demonstrates the best techniques for the cage, aided by UFC bantamweight, John Dodson



1 - Greg begins on his back with his legs close to John, who is approaching his guard.



2 - Greg slides his hips out to the right on the mat and hooks the back of John’s left knee with his foot.



3 - Greg’s hooked foot gives him leverage to turn upwards in a corkscrew movement and get to one knee.



4 - Greg gets to his knee, hooks John’s leg with his arm and finishes turning when he’s facing the same direction as him.



5 - Then Greg adjusts his arms to hook John’s thigh with his right arm and ankle with his left hand.



6 - Greg rises, picks John’s leg up and takes control of his waist with his head against his body. 

TOP TIPS:

AMATEUR

  • Turn as you rise to stop your opponent sprawling their leg out and away

SEMI-PRO

  • With the right positioning, you can move your head on the way up so your opponent can only hit the back of it, which is illegal.

PROFESSIONAL

  • In the final step, straighten your legs like a squat, so even if your opponent pushes down on your head, you’ll have the power to rise.
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